Barnett minister faces questions on land clearing

West Australian Premier
Colin Barnett
’s election campaign has taken a blow from news Corrective Services Minister Murray Cowper is facing an investigation into allegations he illegally cleared land at a holiday house.

With the election looming on Saturday, Labor called for Mr Cowper to be dumped from the ministry. The Premier’s office had not responded to questions as to whether Mr Cowper retained Mr Barnett’s full support at the time of going to press.

A leaked Department of Environment and Conservation report alleges Mr Cowper used a bobcat to clear a sand dune at a property in the small community of Wedge Island, 140 kilometres north of Perth, in January.

Mr Cowper admitted to helping friends move sand at their leased shack, which is part of an indigenous heritage site, but said he was not aware a permit was required.

“I wasn’t aware there was approval required . . . we were simply just reconstituting a firebreak," he said.

When Mr Cowper was asked if his actions had broken the law, he answered, “I’m not sure that has occurred."

“There are some real grey areas in what you can and can’t do when it comes to land."

A DEC spokesman confirmed both the report’s legitimacy and a continuing investigation into the incident.

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The investigation is embarrassing to Mr Barnett, who has strongly criticised the integrity of ministers in the previous Labor government.

Shadow treasurer
Ben Wyatt
said Mr Cowper must be sacked.

“It is not tenable for a Liberal minister under investigation for something that may lead to a term of imprisonment to remain a minister."

Mr Wyatt said the potential breaches of the Environmental Protection Act and Aboriginal Heritage Act had combined penalties of more than $250,000 and nine months imprisonment.

“[Mr Barnett] says he’s tough on crime," Mr Wyatt said. “Does that apply to Liberal members of his cabinet or does that apply to everybody else?"

Mr Cowper appeared blindsided when the incident was raised by reporters on Tuesday at an appearance alongside the Premier.

Mr Barnett was unaware of the matter and could only watch as Mr Cowper faced lengthy questioning. Mr Barnett said it was “unfortunate" Mr Cowper had not informed him.

He said calls for Mr Cowper to step down were premature.

“We’ve got an election on Saturday, that’s my major focus. I will find out the facts of what is meant to have happened and I will judge at that stage."

Mr Barnett and Mr Cowper were announcing incentives to attract more young people, particularly women, to training and apprenticeships. Mr Barnett had flagged the announcement as the last of the election campaign.

Mr Cowper, an MP since 2005, was elevated to cabinet in the 2012 reshuffle prompted by the resignation of former Treasurer Christian Porter.